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Location notes

Balcombe is situated on the Brighton Mainline in West Sussex, England. The station serves the village of Balcombe and is 17 miles (27 km) north of Brighton. The nearest towns are Haywards Heath, Crawley and East Grinstead.

Railway type and traffic

Very busy mainline with regular Class 377s, 442s and 319s at roughly 5-10 minute intervals for most of the day. A majority of trains dont stop at this station.There are a few VSOE workings throughout the year, these are normally hauled by Class 67's and destinations vary between Hove and Chichester. In addition there is also the odd railtour or steam special as well.There are 2 booked freight services on this section of the Brighton Mainline. The first one is an aggregates train to the Hanson roadstone plant at Ardingly, which is on the former branch to Horsted Keynes. The train arrives at Haywards Heath, where the engine runs round and the train then heads north down the branch. Here the engine runs round again after unloading and brings the train back to Haywards Heath, where the process is repeated for the return journey. Class 59s are the scheduled motive power although Class 66s sometimes work the service. The freight service runs on weekdays, and the loaded working is timetabled to pass through early morning around 04:30, although it does sometimes run later. The empty working is timetabled to pass through around 10:00, this also sometimes runs later.The other booked freight is an incinerator ash working to/from Newhaven (East Sussex). The freight service is normally hauled by Class 66s although Class 59s do sometimes make an appearance. The empty working is timetabled to pass through around 23:30, the loaded working is timetabled to pass through around 05:30.Engineering trains can sometimes be seen passing through on weeknights, early weekday mornings or at weekends. There are also very occasional light engine workings.

Environment

Reasonably quiet, rural and scenic location with nearby Balcombe village only a short walk away. During the peak hours the station and nearby B2036 can be quite busy.

Road directions

From London:Turn off at the M23 Maidenbower Junction and you will see a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout and follow the B2036 south until to get to Balcombe station on the right hand side of the road.

There are toilets on the station but these are only open when the station is staffed. When the station toilets are closed the nearest toilets are in Balcombe village. If you want to buy something to eat or drink there are a few places in Balcombe village including a pub and a tea rooms.

Accommodation

There a few B&Bs and hotels in and around the area although some are not cheap.

Sun Compass

Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Balcombe

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